What is the AATCC 61 Textile Color Washing Fastness Test method?

The AATCC 61 is a test method developed by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) to evaluate the colorfastness of textiles to washing. It is commonly referred to as the "Colorfastness to Laundering: Accelerated" test method.

The AATCC 61 test method evaluates the colorfastness of textile materials when exposed to repeated agitation and laundering conditions. It simulates accelerated home laundering conditions to assess the potential for color bleeding, staining, or fading.

Here is a simplified overview of the AATCC 61 test method:

1. Preparation: The fabric specimen is conditioned as per standard requirements, ensuring it reaches a consistent moisture and dry state.

2. Test Specimen Assembly: The specimen is typically combined with standardized Multifiber Adjacent Fabrics (MAFs) made of different fiber types. These MAFs help detect potential color transfer from the specimen.

3. Washing Cycle: The fabric specimen is placed in a washing machine or agitator containing detergent and water at a specified temperature. The test involves multiple cycles of agitation, rinsing, and drying.

4. Evaluation: After laundering, the fabric specimen and MAFs are assessed for any changes in color, staining, fading, or transfer. Evaluation can be done visually or using spectrophotometric measurements to quantify color change.

The AATCC 61 test method provides a standardized way to assess the colorfastness of textiles to repeated laundering. It is commonly used in the textile industry to ensure that fabrics maintain their color integrity and do not transfer color excessively during washing.